Summary
Highlights
The challenge is introduced: race to 243 long-distance train stations in Taiwan over five days. Teams earn chips by completing challenges across the map, which are used to claim stations. Stations can be stolen by placing more chips than the opponent. Traveling through unclaimed territory requires placing at least one chip on each station.
The teams strategize their initial moves. Team Ben (Ben and Adam) debates between the east and west coasts, ultimately deciding to fortify key west coast stations. Team Sam (Sam and Mike) chooses to tackle a nearby challenge in Taipei's Da'an Park worth 30 chips.
Team Sam undertakes a birdwatching challenge in Da'an Park. One team member (Mike) memorizes 33 bird types from a sign, while the other (Sam) photographs a bird for identification. Mike successfully identifies a black-crowned night heron, earning chips and completing their first challenge quickly.
As Team Ben travels west, they discuss strategically placing five chips on Banqiao, a crucial junction for both high-speed and low-speed trains, to block Team Sam. They choose the low-speed train to claim more stations en route to their challenge.
Team Ben reaches the Tofu Rocks for their challenge, 'The Floor is (Mostly) Lava'. One member must memorize a path across the rocks within two minutes. Ben attempts the challenge but makes a wrong step, failing the challenge and leaving them low on chips. This failed challenge increases the reward for the other team if they attempt it.
Team Sam arrives at Houtong, a 'cat village,' for a 'Catvenger Hunt' challenge. They have one hour to photograph cats sleeping, eating, touching another cat, more than 15 feet from another cat, and above them. Despite initial difficulties finding touching cats in the rain, they successfully complete the challenge.
Team Ben reaches a hot spring for a 'call your shot' trivia challenge. One member must answer as many questions as predicted correctly within 60 seconds (8 chips per correct answer). They decide Sam will answer and set a conservative goal of three correct answers. The questions cover Jet Lag: The Game and Taiwan geography.
Sam attempts the trivia challenge but struggles with the longer questions and obscure facts, failing to reach their target of three correct answers. This leaves Team Ben with no chips from the challenge, adding to their previous setback, and potentially giving Team Sam a significant advantage.
Team Sam arrives at the park for their 'Let's Make a Deal' challenge, involving a Big Buddha and two pagodas. They must choose the correct structure and climb to its top. Using the Monty Hall problem logic, they initially choose the Buddha, learn it's incorrect, and switch to the South Pagoda. After climbing the South Pagoda and realizing it's also incorrect, they finally return to the Big Buddha, completing the challenge.
Despite their failures, both teams receive notifications of new challenges, including a 'steal' challenge and a variable reward challenge. The teams reflect on their performance and strategize for the next day, emphasizing adapting to new challenges and maintaining competitiveness.